Three people who drifted out to sea on an inflatable had to be saved in an emergency rescue mission off the coast in North Ayrshire.
RNLI crews sprang into action at around 8.43pm on Thursday June 8, following reports from Belfast Coastguard that a group had been seen clinging to an inflatable mattress off Irvine.
Troon Lifeboat, as well as a coastguard helicopter from Prestwick, rushed to the scene to find three people adrift on the device which had become sea-bound and had begun taking on water.
Coastguard teams winched the group into the helicopter before returning them to a nearby beach to be assessed.
RNLI Trent class all-weather lifeboat ‘RNLB Jim Moffat’ and D Class inshore lifeboat ‘Sheena’ were launched to assist with the rescue.
It is unclear how long the group had been drifting in the sea.
In another incident, two people were also blown out to sea on an inflatable near Ardrossan South Beach.
Ardrossan Coastguard and RNLI Troon were launched on the evening of Tuesday June 6, to rescue the stranded passengers of the float.
The pair were taken back to Ardrossan Harbour where they were met by waiting rescue teams.
Now the Ardrossan Coastguard Rescue Team has issued a warning to those using inflatables in the warm weather this summer.
A spokesperson said: “Recent days have once again highlighted the dangers of inflatables at the coast. These inflatable pool toys are designed for use in the swimming pool and are not intended for use in the sea.
“Fortunately all of this week’s incidents have had successful outcomes due to the swift actions of the public by dialling 999 and asking for the Coastguard, and the quick response from attending emergency services and the support provided by the wider maritime community.
“We would urge everyone to leave the inflatable toys at home if you’re intending on visiting the coast and ask anyone undertaking any sort of water sport activity to always check the weather forecast and wind direction before setting off. It’s not worth taking the risk if it’s an offshore wind. Please also make sure you have a lifejacket or floatation aid suitable for your activity and have a means of calling for help.
“If you get into difficulty along the coast or at sea or you think someone else is in trouble, don’t hesitate - always dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”
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